View from the Washington Monument Live Webcam, Washington, DC

The Washington Monument is the tallest structure in Washington, D.C. and the largest obelisk in the world, it is a granite obelisk faced with Maryland marble. The monument was built in 1848-1884 as a memorial to the first president of the United States, George Washington, designed by architect Robert Mills.

The Washington Monument rises at the very center of National Mall, between the Capitol to the east, the Lincoln Memorial to the west, the Jefferson Memorial to the south, and the White House to the north. On top of the monument on the east side are carved the Latin words “Laus Deo” which translates to “Praise God”.

Before the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889, the Washington Monument was the tallest structure on Earth. At its top there is an observation deck with 8 windows (2 on each of the 4 sides of the world), which offers a spectacular view of Washington. The observation deck can be reached by a staircase of 896 steps or an elevator. Nearby is a “mirror pond” in which the entire monument is reflected, creating the illusion of two obelisks.